Barry Alvarez hasn't skipped a beat

Although Barry Alvarez is seven years removed from coaching, it appears he hasn't skipped a beat. Despite an interim stint, the Rose Bowl Hall of Famer says the coaching juices are flowing.

"Just give me a whistle," Alvarez said. "That's all I need is a whistle and a bunch of guys to coach, and I feel very comfortable with that. And it's been a fun for me. This has been like a gift to be able to do this and on this stage is truly special."

With a win Tuesday, Alvarez would validate all the work he and his players put in. That would be a huge reward for a team that has dealt with a lot of adversity.

"How to deal with situations and make something positive come out of it, especially after two tough losses. They could have won either game the last two years. They had opportunities to win, but couldn't close the deal. So I think it would be a tremendous lesson for them."

After the Rose Bowl, the Wisconsin program goes into the hands of incoming head coach Gary Andersen. Alvarez says he may have Andersen be on the team sideline for the game. He says the free publicity that goes with it is invaluable in recruiting and selling the program.

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